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There is more life in the beef trade this week, as processors start to procure animals to fulfil orders in the run-up to Christmas.
That said, while factory agents are more active for stock, there is no sign of any upturn in demand filtering through to beef price.
Overall, the trade is holding firm. At the upper end of official base quotes, U-3 grading animals are on 426p/kg.
But quotes are running 10p to 12p/kg below the level where factory agents are opening for in-spec cattle.
Steers start on 436p to 438p/kg, with more regular finishers reporting deals of 440p/kg on offer. Higher prices are reserved for specialist finishers.
Heifers are also opening at 438p/kg for farmers with smaller numbers. Where a steady supply of animals can be offered, prices are generally running around 440p to 442p/kg, with reports of 444p/kg being paid for butcher-type animals.
Young bulls are a more difficult trade. Reports indicate processors are trying to cap prices at 430p/kg, although some farmers are managing 4p to 6p/kg more for suckler-bred animals meeting certain weight limits.
Processors indicate there are more animals with dairy breeding coming on the market and this is helping agents meet throughput without having to increase prices.
Such cattle are also supplying a large volume of beef destined for food service markets where demand remains extremely robust.
Last week, the average price paid across all grades of steers and heifers marginally improved by 0.15p to 426.29p/kg.
On U3 cattle, the average price on steers rose by 0.7p to 438.4p/kg, with heifers at the same grade jumping 2.6p to 442.4p/kg, while young bulls fell by 3.5p to 429.4p/kg.
Cows
While prime cattle are steady, there is more of an edge to the cow trade, with 2p to 4p/kg more on offer for good-quality beef animals. Quotes for R3 cows remain on 365p/kg, but deals are generally running around the 380p/kg mark.
NI sheep: factory quotes edging upwards
There were fewer lambs moving through livestock marts this week, underpinning prices.
As such, factories have raised quotes by 5p to 510p/kg, making a lamb worth £107.10 at the 21kg deadweight limit.
In Kilrea, 600 lambs sold from 444p to 482p/kg, no change on last week. Lambs at 24.5kg sold to £112.50, with 24kg lots making £110.
In Massereene, 766 lambs sold from 453p to 495p/kg, up 13p to 23p/kg on last week. Heavy lambs at 31kg and 28.5kg made £118, with 25kg making £116, 24kg to £114 and 23.5kg to £111.
In Saintfield, 555 lambs sold in an improved trade from 448p to 525p/kg, with heavier lots up by 4p/kg.
In Rathfriland, a show of 777 lambs sold from 440p to 551p/kg, with the sale averaging 463p/kg, up by 2p/kg on last week.
Ewes
The trade for fat ewes is firmer this week. In Kilrea, the top price was £158. Massereene reached a top of £154 for Suffolk ewes, with £138 for Lleyn rams and £128 for Mule ewes.
In Saintfield, the top price was £170 and in Rathfriland the top was £226.
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